I would prefer Jerez also, but I can try and link some work trip to Bcn around testing days whereas Jerez I can't really find a decent excuse for going there other than the practice itself and I don't think that would quite cut it.

Given the rule for 2013 that DRS may only be used in practice and qualifying in the designated race-areas, do you think that will be policed in testing as well?

Looks like next year they will have two DRS zones at every race, where they can afford (i.e. not Monaco).The FIA will restrict DRS in practice and qualifying, possibly including testing unless teams seek more straight-line data.

I would prefer Jerez also, but I can try and link some work trip to Bcn around testing days whereas Jerez I can't really find a decent excuse for going there other than the practice itself and I don't think that would quite cut it.

Jerez is a fantastic circuit I went there for MotoGP in April. Almost everywhere has a good hillside view to watch from, and if sit in the 'bowl' towards the end of the circuit (just before the F1 chicane) then you get a lot of viewing time. However, there are no roofs anywhere around the circuit, so when it rains there is almost no escape. We hid under some trees for a while, but in the end you just have to accept if you need to go anywhere you're getting wet! I couldn't recommend it highly enough otherwise though.

Given the rule for 2013 that DRS may only be used in practice and qualifying in the designated race-areas, do you think that will be policed in testing as well?

IMHO the teams can test whatever they want as long as it passes the crash-tests... i'm pretty sure there are no load-tests or anything else so they could probably run scary stuff at the winter-test and also FP1-3 ... however - i must admit it would be unwise to test stuff that will never make it through the tests

_________________How to fix F1:1. Stop seeking consensuses on rules - it will always turn out to be the least favourible option for everyone involved...2. Listen to the fans - there are plenty of them and they have good ideas...

I'm curious, how do you guys manage your stays there. Are you staying in a hotel for those days or you have friends that live there? I'm very interested in heading out there for testing this year myself but trying to gather some more information.

I'm planning on going for the last test, February 28th - March 3rd. Which of the track offers a better experience? It's my first time going to these tracks and my first testing attendance. Any advice and information is welcomed.

Anyone else think they should go for the green and black livery? It'd stand out

I usually lurk, but YES I WOULD LOVE TO SEE THAT SCHEME! I love Sauber. And I want Sauber-BMW come back to F1 someday...

It would fit in with Monster Energy sponsorship (if they moved from Merc).

As for DRS, if I was a team principal, I would want to run some test stints with DRS unrestricted to see where performance lies in say balance and downforce and some restricted to the zones. In the case of Jerez we wouldn't know exactly where the FIA would place them on a race weekend, but for Catalunya we'd have a better idea.

_________________"We can not drive slower, just to make the races more exciting." Alain Prost

Just friggin get rid of DRS altogether and let the drivers overtake normally.

I guess you forget things over time but i do remember a period of time when seeing an overtake was a rare experience, who remembers the Trulli train? Qualify the car further up the grid then it should be then in the race keep faster cars behind you until the pitstops, i'm for cars being able to overtake rather than watching a procession.

Just friggin get rid of DRS altogether and let the drivers overtake normally.

I guess you forget things over time but i do remember a period of time when seeing an overtake was a rare experience, who remembers the Trulli train? Qualify the car further up the grid then it should be then in the race keep faster cars behind you until the pitstops, i'm for cars being able to overtake rather than watching a procession.

I remember that, but that was due to refueling i suppose? More races are being fought in the pits than on the track.

Just friggin get rid of DRS altogether and let the drivers overtake normally.

I guess you forget things over time but i do remember a period of time when seeing an overtake was a rare experience, who remembers the Trulli train? Qualify the car further up the grid then it should be then in the race keep faster cars behind you until the pitstops, i'm for cars being able to overtake rather than watching a procession.

I remember that too . It was almost impossible for a car to overtake other than by making up enough time to come out in front after re-fuelling pit stops.

The Trulli train was a particular nightmare for anyone supporting another driver... To be fair, Trulli was an excellent qualifier, putting the car way above where it should be on the grid - but in the race he just held up the faster cars/drivers that were chasing the lead driver.

Admittedly, the rare overtake was far more special than nowadays - but even so, I prefer DRS enabling cars to overtake far more easily. Hopefully the race officials have now worked out the optimum DRS zones for great racing.

Just friggin get rid of DRS altogether and let the drivers overtake normally.

I guess you forget things over time but i do remember a period of time when seeing an overtake was a rare experience, who remembers the Trulli train? Qualify the car further up the grid then it should be then in the race keep faster cars behind you until the pitstops, i'm for cars being able to overtake rather than watching a procession.

I remember that, but that was due to refueling i suppose? More races are being fought in the pits than on the track.

No it was because of the loss of front downforce when following another car through a corner, it was reckoned at the time that a F1 car needed to be over 2 seconds a lap faster than the car in front to be able to overtake it, thus at least 95% of the change of positions in the race occurred during the pitstops.

Just friggin get rid of DRS altogether and let the drivers overtake normally.

I guess you forget things over time but i do remember a period of time when seeing an overtake was a rare experience, who remembers the Trulli train? Qualify the car further up the grid then it should be then in the race keep faster cars behind you until the pitstops, i'm for cars being able to overtake rather than watching a procession.

I remember that, but that was due to refueling i suppose? More races are being fought in the pits than on the track.

No it was because of the loss of front downforce when following another car through a corner, it was reckoned at the time that a F1 car needed to be over 2 seconds a lap faster than the car in front to be able to overtake it, thus at least 95% of the change of positions in the race occurred during the pitstops.

Ah, was it because of the additional barge boards on the bodywork that forced the cars to switch to a simpler bodywork from 2009 onwards?

Just friggin get rid of DRS altogether and let the drivers overtake normally.

I guess you forget things over time but i do remember a period of time when seeing an overtake was a rare experience, who remembers the Trulli train? Qualify the car further up the grid then it should be then in the race keep faster cars behind you until the pitstops, i'm for cars being able to overtake rather than watching a procession.

I remember that, but that was due to refueling i suppose? More races are being fought in the pits than on the track.

No it was because of the loss of front downforce when following another car through a corner, it was reckoned at the time that a F1 car needed to be over 2 seconds a lap faster than the car in front to be able to overtake it, thus at least 95% of the change of positions in the race occurred during the pitstops.

Ah, was it because of the additional barge boards on the bodywork that forced the cars to switch to a simpler bodywork from 2009 onwards?

I'm not sure that made things any better, some increased overtaking in 2009 was by KERS cars against none KERS cars

I'll be going to the final test in Barca.. Hotel near the track and flights were just under £250 for two people although probably gone up as I booked it three weeks ago. Tickets are apparently only ~€10 a day.. anyone been before and has tips?

The thing about overtaking, for me, is that it should be treated like any commodity: The more of it there is the less value each unit has. I'd much rather see someone lining up an overtake for 10 or 15 laps before pulling it off than them just rocking up and DRSing past the other driver like two trucks on the A303.

Anyway... can't wait for testing, particularly in terms of seeing what Sky have to offer with their increased testing coverage.

I think it'll end up being a twitter job. You might find places like f1times and f1fanatic have something though.

Sky are doing a 15 minute nightly 'show' for each testing day, then some time in feb (15th?) the F1 show is back for a special testing show. I assume they will have some juicy shots of the cars and will pull out their 3D renders to show stuff off.

BBC did commentary for each day of testing last year, should be the same for this year

_________________Support: Kimi, Lewis, Jenson, THE HULK and Super Kevin Magnussen Respect: Eyebrow man, Schumi and finally after three long years Sebastian Vettel. Fairplay to the guy he is quick!Still don't like: Di Resta and his neck glassing team mate

Don't think it's been posted above, but those who are going/considering going to Barcelona, the tickets for testing are available to buy. Now, to spend €70 on a guided tour day test ticket or just the normal testing ticket..?

Given the rule for 2013 that DRS may only be used in practice and qualifying in the designated race-areas, do you think that will be policed in testing as well?

I wouldn't have thought it'll be restricted in testing. There are pretty much no rules during tests other than 'dont crash into each other'.

Yeah I'm sure DRS won't be restricted in testing, but seeing as it will be during the season, running around using it all the time would seem to a both a pointless and counter-productive exercise. Much better to use it as it will be used in the 'real stuff' and gather meaningful data.